The Grip Pitching
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1) I am aware that Dustin Hamilton is not a medical doctor and is not qualified to determine a participant’s physical capability in strenuous activity. 2) Medical clearance from a physician may be required prior to participation. I understand and acknowledge that there are risks involved with participating in any exercise program and/or any exercises contained within this handbook in consideration for being allowed to utilize the information in this handbook. I agree I will assume the risk and full responsibility for determining the need for medical clearance from my physician and obtaining such clearance, the safety and/or efficacy of any exercise program recommended to me, and any and all injuries, losses, or damages, which might occur to me and/or to my family while utilizing the information in this handbook and to the maximum extent allowed by law I agree to waive and release any and claims, suits, or related causes of action against Dustin Hamilton, for injury, loss, death, costs or other damages to me, my heirs or assigns, while utilizing all the information or partaking in the exercises contained within this handbook. I further agree to release, indemnify and hold Dustin Hamilton from any liability whatsoever for future claims presented by my children for any injuries, losses, or damages. Copyright ©2017 The Grip Pitching. All Rights Reserved. No part of this information may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, distributing, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author. The author disclaims any responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences from the misapplication or injudicious use of the information presented in this text. About My Journey ................................................................................................................................................. 2 Overview .................................................................................................................................................................. 3 The Mental Game................................................................................................................................................... 5 The Mechanics ..................................................................................................................................................... 10 Phase 1: Addressing the Hitter ................................................................................................................. 12 Phase 2: Coming Set ...................................................................................................................................... 14 Phase 3: Leg lift and separation ............................................................................................................... 18 Phase 4: Power Position.............................................................................................................................. 23 Phase 5: Release and Finish ....................................................................................................................... 28 5 Phase Summary .......................................................................................................................................... 30 Quick Adjustment Tips ................................................................................................................................ 31 The Importance of Video Analysis .......................................................................................................... 33 Pitch Grips ............................................................................................................................................................. 35 4-seam fastball ................................................................................................................................................ 35 2-seam fastball ................................................................................................................................................ 36 Change-up ......................................................................................................................................................... 37 Curveball ........................................................................................................................................................... 39 Pitch Count ........................................................................................................................................................... 42 Arm Care ................................................................................................................................................................ 43 Warmup Routine ................................................................................................................................................ 46 Pitching Drills ...................................................................................................................................................... 48 The Bullpen Blue Print ..................................................................................................................................... 49 Holding Runners On 101 ................................................................................................................................. 52 Pick Offs To 1st Base .......................................................................................................................................... 53 Right-Handed Pick Offs................................................................................................................................ 54 Left-Handed Pick Offs .................................................................................................................................. 55 How to Read a Runner ..................................................................................................................................... 59 Pickoffs to 2nd Base ............................................................................................................................................ 61 Final Food For Thought ................................................................................................................................... 64 1 | P a g e In what had long been considered “America’s Past Time,” the amazing game of baseball has taken hold throughout much the world and continues to gain popularity. As a ball player growing up in the States I was blessed with the luxury of learning from experienced coaches and developing in a great support system for student-athletes. After finishing my college career, I seized the opportunity to continue playing professional baseball overseas and further expand my knowledge of the game. Since that time, I have played and coached in a number of different countries around the world. In doing so, it’s allowed me to work with a diverse group of ages, nationalities, and languages. Along the way, I’ve witnessed an incredible passion for the game by many of these kids. However, the conclusion I find myself coming to time and again is the overwhelming need for better pitching knowledge at the international level. With this book, I hope to pass along my accumulated experiences with all of you. With it, I firmly believe your youth pitchers will throw harder, perform better and reduce the probability of serious injury at such a young age. As we move throughout this book you’ll recognize a reoccurring theme behind my coaching theories. Many of my philosophies revolve around the principal idea that in pitching “less is really more.” The game of baseball is incredibly complex yet beautifully simple all in one. Home plate hasn’t moved in over one hundred years and the mound still sits sixty-feet six inches opposite of it. Unlike a quarterback in football or a shooter in basketball; the pitcher stands in the same spot on the mound each and every pitch, throwing the ball to the same fixed target. So why then do pitchers have such a difficult time consistently throwing strikes? More times than not it’s because they aren’t able to consistently repeat their throwing mechanics! In my opinion, the most efficient way to correct this problem is to simplify the throwing motion. Mitigate as many non-essential variables of the delivery as possible and decrease the margin for error. I believe the more “moving parts” of the delivery we can take out the easier it will become to consistently repeat. With that said, it takes more than just good mechanics to become a successful pitcher. It also requires a good deal of strength, flexibility and mental toughness. Within this book, I’ve outlined the various aspects to becoming a complete pitcher. From the mental side, to the mechanics, even down to a proper warm up routine. This is a developmental process that takes time and won’t happen overnight. The only real way to get better at throwing a baseball is to simply do it. Like any other muscle in the body, the more you continue to use and develop it, the better it’s going to perform. Don’t over throw but throw often. 3 | P a g e 4 | P a g e My favorite part about pitching is the “game within a game.” On the surface, it may be my team against yours but each individual batter presents a unique challenge in itself. For many, pitching can provide one of the ultimate chess matches between skill, strategy and